April 5, 2001

HOUSE EXECUTIVE MESSAGE NO. 68

The Honorable Ben Lujan and

Members of the House of Representatives

Executive-Legislative Building

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503

Honorable Speaker and Members of the House:

I have this day VETOED and am returning HOUSE BILL 357

enacted by the Forty-Fifth Legislature, First Session, 2001.

This legislation would make unenforceable any contract term between a health care provider and health care plan that does not allow the provider to pass gross receipts taxes to the plan. Such a bill interferes with the right of private citizens to freely negotiate business contracts, and would place such a burden on managed care organizations that they would be forced to decrease the amount of funds available for patient care.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor

RECEIVED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR:

Time: _____________________ By:_____________________________

Secretary of State

Date ______________________

Time:______________________

Date_______________________ By:_____________________________

Chief Clerk of the House

Hem68hb357v